Budget-Friendly Recipes to Save Money on Groceries

Saving money on groceries doesn’t mean sacrificing taste or nutrition. Here are some delicious and budget-friendly recipes that will help you stretch your grocery budget:

Breakfast

1. Overnight Oats Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup rolled oats
• 1/2 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
• 1/4 cup Greek yogurt
• 1 tablespoon chia seeds
• 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
• Fresh fruits for topping (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a jar or bowl, combine the oats, milk, Greek yogurt, chia seeds, and honey or maple syrup.
2. Mix well, cover, and refrigerate overnight.
3. In the morning, top with fresh fruits before serving.

Lunch

2. Vegetable Fried Rice Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old)
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, corn, bell peppers)
• 2 eggs, beaten (optional)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari
• 1 green onion, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant.
2. Add the mixed vegetables and cook until tender.
3. Push the vegetables to one side and pour the beaten eggs on the other side. Scramble the eggs until cooked.
4. Add the cooked rice and soy sauce, stirring to combine. Cook until heated through.
5. Garnish with chopped green onion before serving.

Dinner

3. Lentil Soup Ingredients:

• 1 cup lentils, rinsed
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 can diced tomatoes (14 oz)
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, sauté the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery until softened.
2. Add the lentils, vegetable broth, diced tomatoes, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30-40 minutes, until the lentils are tender.

Snacks

4. Homemade Popcorn Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup popcorn kernels
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add the popcorn kernels and cover the pot. Shake the pot occasionally to prevent burning.
3. Once the popping slows down, remove the pot from heat.
4. Season with salt and enjoy!

Dessert

5. Banana Ice Cream Ingredients:

• 2 ripe bananas, sliced and frozen
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon almond butter (optional)

Instructions:

1. Blend the frozen banana slices and vanilla extract in a food processor until creamy.
2. Add almond butter if desired, and blend again until smooth.
3. Serve immediately as a soft-serve or freeze for a firmer texture.

These budget-friendly recipes are easy to make and perfect for saving money without compromising on flavor or nutrition. Enjoy your meals and keep your grocery bills in check!